PP Tables and Word Syntaxes - NC Instructions

You can define sequences of PP word syntaxes associated to particular NC instructions for a given machine tool, such as a post-processor.

This page discusses:

General Information

NC instructions are either auxiliary command type NC instructions or PP Tables and Word Syntaxes - PP Word Tables

A syntax comprises a major word and one or more syntax elements such as minor words, numerical values and standard parameters. A set of standard parameters is associated to each NC instruction. Parameters may be combined in arithmetical expressions.

A syntax that includes parameters is a parametrized syntax (see examples below):

            *START_NC_INSTRUCTION   NC_TOOL_CHANGE
            *START_SEQUENCE
            TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM
            TPRINT/%MFG_TOOL_NAME
            LOADTL/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER
            *END
            *END
          
            *START_NC_INSTRUCTION      NC_TAPPING
            *START_SEQUENCE
            CYCLE/TAP,%MFG_TOTAL_DEPTH,%MFG_CLEAR_TIP
            *END
            *END

Notes:
  • The % character indicates a parameter.
  • You can define one or more syntax sequences for each NC instruction.

For an example of how to define syntax sequences in NC Instructions. See Define PP Word Syntax.

Auxiliary Command Type NC Instructions

NC Commands Comments
NC_ACTIVITY_HEADER

Valuates parameters of an activity during the generation of APT.

By default, the syntax is (empty)

            *START_NC_INSTRUCTION      NC_ACTIVITY_HEADER
            *START_SEQUENCE
            *END
            *END

Syntax example

$$ OPERATION NAME = %MFG_MO_IDENTIFIER

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_END_MACRO

Defines the Part Operation identifier.

MFG_IDENTIFIER

Defines the Part Operation identifier.
MFG_MACHINE_NAME

Defines the machine name.

By default, the syntax is

SPINDL/OFF

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_HEAD_ROTATION See Displacing and Locking Linear and Rotary Axes.
MFG_TYPE_OF_ROT

Defines the rotation type.

(absolute angle in this version).
MFG_DIR_OF_ROT

Defines the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
MFG_AMOUNT_ROT

Defines the angle of rotation around the axis of rotation.
MFG_AXIS_OF_ROT

Defines the axis of rotation on the machine head.
MFG_ABC_AXIS

Defines the axis of rotation on the machine head to get Minor word AAXIS, BAXIS, or CAXIS.

By default, the syntax is

ROTHED/%MFG_AMOUNT_ROT,%MFG_DIR_OF_ROT

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_ORIGIN
MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG

MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG

MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG

Defines the coordinates of the origin.

MFG_ORIGIN_NUMBER

Defines the origin number.

MFG_ORIGIN_GROUP

Defines the origin group.
NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_PROGRAM_HEADER
MFG_PROGRAM_NAME

Defines the name of the Manufacturing Program.
MFG_CHANNEL_NUMBER

Defines the channel number (Turret).

By default, the syntax is

            *START_NC_INSTRUCTION      NC_PROGRAM_HEADER
            *START_SEQUENCE
            *END
            *END

Syntax example

PROG_NAME,%MFG_PROGRAM_NAME

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_START_MACRO
MFG_IDENTIFIER

Defines the Part Operation identifier.
MFG_PROGRAM_NAME

Defines the name of the Manufacturing Program.
MFG_MACHINE_NAME

Defines the machine name.
MFG_MODEL_NAME

Defines the name of the CATProcess (with document suffix).
MFG_PRODUCT_NAME

Defines the name of the CATProduct/CATPart (with no document suffix).

By default, the syntax is

PARTNO PART TO BE MACHINED

Note: When PARTNO is defined as a major word with text, if you want to use PARTNO with parameters for a CLFile output, the "/" character must be replaced by a space. You can use the "/" character for an APT output.
NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_tabLE_ROTATION See Displacing and Locking Linear and Rotary Axes.
MFG_TYPE_OF_ROT

Defines the rotation type.

(absolute angle in this version).
MFG_DIR_OF_ROT

Defines the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise).
MFG_AMOUNT_ROT

Defines the angle of rotation around the axis of rotation.
MFG_AXIS_OF_ROT

Defines the axis of rotation on the machine head.
MFG_ABC_AXIS

Defines the axis of rotation on the machine head to get Minor word AAXIS, BAXIS, or CAXIS.

By default, the syntax is

ROtabL/%MFG_AMOUNT_ROT,%MFG_DIR_OF_ROT

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_TOOL_CHANGE If tool assembly resources are not used in your process, the term tool assembly means tool or cutter in the following description.
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID

Defines the tool assembly identifier.
MFG_TL_SET_LGTH

Defines the tool set length.
MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM

Defines the cutting diameter of the tool.
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT

Associates a comment to the resource.
MFG_TOOL_NUMBER

Defines the tool number.
MFG_ASS_COMMENT

Associates a comment to the resource.
MFG_HOLDER_NAME Defines the tool holder name. In case of multiple holders in the assembly, append _n to the parameter to output the name of nth holder.
MFG_HOLDER_COMMENT Associates a comment to the resource. In case of multiple holders in the assembly, append _n to the parameter to output the name of nth holder.
MFG_WEIGHT_SNTX

Specifies the tool weight syntax.
MFG_COOLNT_SNTX

Specifies the coolant supply syntax.
MFG_TOOTH_DES

Allows to specify the tooth nature as a comment. For example, it could be the supplier reference of the insert.
MFG_DIAMETER_2

Defines the diameter 2 of the tool assembly.
MFG_MAX_MIL_TIME

Specifies the tool life in time units.
MFG_MAX_MIL_LGTH

Specifies the tool life in length units.
MFG_CORNER_RAD

Defines the radius of the cutting shape of the tool.

MFG_CUT_ANGLE

Defines the cutting angle of the tool.

MFG_LENGTH

Defines the length of the external envelope of the active part of the tool.
MFG_TL_TIP_LGTH

Defines the part of the tool that cannot be used for cutting material at the correct diameter (non-functional part of the tool).
MFG_CUT_LENGTH

Defines the effective cutting length available on the active part of the tool.
MFG_NB_OF_FLUTES

Defines the number of flutes on the tool. In case of tools with separate inserts, this is the number of inserts.

MFG_TOOL_NAME

Associates a name to the resource.
MFG_TL_SET_X Defines the tool set length in x direction.
MFG_TL_SET_Y Defines the tool set length in y direction.
MFG_WAY_OF_ROT

Defines the rotation orientation of the current element. It should be compatible with spindle rotation orientation.

It is RIGHTHAND or LEFTHAND.
MFG_TOOL_ASS_POW Specifies the computed tool assembly power type
  • If fixed, the value is TURN.
  • otherwise, the value is MIL.
MFG_TOOL_COMP

MFG_TL_COMP

Specifies the length number of current corrector.
MFG_TOOL_COMP_2 Defines the value of the second tool compensation length.
MFG_FEED_MACH(*)

Defines the machining feedrate.
MFG_SPNDL_MACH (*)

Defines the machining spindle speed.
MFG_FEED_UNIT(*)

Defines the feedrate unit.
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT(*)

Defines the spindle speed unit.
MFG_FS_VC_MACH(*) Defines the cutting speed of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_FIN(*) Defines the cutting speed of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_SPINDLE_MACH(*) Defines the speed of the spindle used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_SPINDLE_FIN(*) Defines the speed of the spindle used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_TOOTH_MACH(*) Defines the feed rate per Tooth of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_TOOTH_FIN(*) Defines the feed rate per Tooth of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_LENGTH_MACH(*) Defines the tool life in length units when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_LENGTH_FIN(*) Defines the tool life in length units when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_TIME_MACH(*) Defines the tool life in time units when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_TIME_FIN(*) Defines the tool life in time units when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_COOLNT_SNTX_MACH(*) Defines the coolant supply syntax used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_COOLNT_SNTX_FIN(*) Defines the coolant supply syntax used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_FEEDRATE_MACH(*) Defines the maximum feed rate of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_FEEDRATE_FIN(*) Defines the maximum feed rate of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_AE_MACH(*) Defines the Radial width of cut of the milling tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_AE_FIN(*) Defines the Radial width of cut of the milling tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_AP_MACH(*) Defines the Axial depth of cut of the milling tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_AP_FIN(*) Defines the Axial depth of cut of the milling tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_PLUNGE_ANG_MACH(*) Defines the plunge ability of the milling tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_PLUNGE_ANG_FIN(*) Defines the plunge ability of the milling tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_PLUNGE_VF_MACH(*) Defines the plunge feed rate of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_PLUNGE_VF_FIN(*) Defines the plunge feed rate of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_DEPTH_MACH(*) Defines the depth of cut of the axial tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY1(*) First key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY2(*) Second key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY3(*) Third key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY1(*) First key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY2(*) Second key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY3(*) Third key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_CHIP_THICKNESS_MACH(*) Defines the maximum thickness of the chip when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_CHIP_THICKNESS_FIN(*) Defines the maximum thickness of the chip when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_VOL_RATE_MACH(*) Defines the maximum chip removal rate when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_VOL_RATE_FIN(*) Defines the maximum chip removal rate when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_POWER_MACH(*) Defines the max power of the spindle when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_POWER_FIN(*) Defines the max power of the spindle when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_BENDING_FORCE_MACH(*) Defines the bending force when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_BENDING_FORCE_FIN(*) Defines the bending force when used in Finishing configuration.
Note: (*) The values of these feed and speed attributes are taken from the first machining operation under the tool change.

By default, the syntax is

TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM

NC Commands and Parameters Comments
NC_TOOL_CHANGE_LATHE
MFG_TL_ASMBLY_ID Defines the tool assembly identifier.
MFG_ASS_COMMENT

Associates a comment to the resource.
MFG_HOLDER_NAME Defines the tool holder name. In case of multiple holders in the assembly, append _n to the parameter to output the name of nth holder.
MFG_HOLDER_COMMENT Associates a comment to the resource. In case of multiple holders in the assembly, append _n to the parameter to output the name of nth holder.
MFG_TOOL_NAME

Associates a name to the resource.
MFG_TOOL_COMMENT

Associates a comment to the resource.
MFG_INSERT_COMMENT

Associates a comment to the resource.
MFG_QUADRANT

Defines the number of the compensation type (for example, 2 for compensation type P2).
MFG_SETUP_ANG Defines the tool assembly setup angle, in degrees.
MFG_TL_SET_X Defines the tool set length in x direction.
MFG_TL_SET_Y Defines the tool set length in y direction.
MFG_TL_SET_Z Defines the tool set length in z direction.
MFG_HAND_STYLE

Defines the resource hand style.

It is LEFT_HAND, RIGHT_HAND or NEUTRAL.
MFG_TOOL_INVERT Defines if the insert-holder has been inverted with respect to the original insert-holder style. Possible values are 0 (not inverted) or 1 (inverted).
MFG_TOOL_COMP

MFG_TL_COMP

Defines the value of the insert-holder compensation length.
MFG_LIFE_TIME

Specifies the life time of the insert.

Not available for groove inserts.
MFG_NOSE_RADIUS

Specifies the nose radius of the insert.
MFG_CLEAR_ANGLE

Defines the clearance angle.
MFG_INSERT_LGTH

Defines the cutting edge length of an insert.
MFG_INSCRIB_DIAM

Specifies the diameter of the inscribed circle of the insert.

MFG_INSERT_ANGLE

Defines the angle of the insert mounted on the tool.
MFG_SPNDL_WAY

Defines the spindle direction.
MFG_FEED_MACH(*)

Defines the machining feedrate.
MFG_SPNDL_MACH(*)

Defines the machining spindle speed.
MFG_FEED_UNIT(*)

Defines the feedrate unit.
MFG_SPNDL_UNIT (*)

Defines the spindle speed unit.
MFG_FS_VC_MACH(*) Defines the cutting speed of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_FIN(*) Defines the cutting speed of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_SPINDLE_MACH(*) Defines the speed of the spindle used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VC_SPINDLE_FIN(*) Defines the speed of the spindle used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_MACH(*) Defines the feed rate of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_FIN(*) Defines the feed rate of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_TOOTH_MACH(*) Defines the feed rate per Tooth of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_VF_TOOTH_FIN(*) Defines the feed rate per Tooth of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_LENGTH_MACH(*) Defines the tool life in length units when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_LENGTH_FIN(*) Defines the tool life in length units when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_TIME_MACH(*) Defines the tool life in time units when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_MIL_TIME_FIN(*) Defines the tool life in time units when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_COOLNT_SNTX_MACH(*) Defines the coolant supply syntax used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_COOLNT_SNTX_FIN(*) Defines the coolant supply syntax used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_FEEDRATE_MACH(*) Defines the maximum feed rate of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_FEEDRATE_FIN(*) Defines the maximum feed rate of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_DEPTH_MACH(*) Defines the maximum depth of cut of the tool used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_DEPTH_FIN(*) Defines the maximum depth of cut of the tool used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY1(*) First key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY2(*) Second key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MACHINING_KEY3(*) Third key value of the configuration used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY1(*) First key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY2(*) Second key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_FINISHING_KEY3(*) Third key value of the configuration used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_CHIP_THICKNESS_MACH(*) Defines the maximum thickness of the chip when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_CHIP_THICKNESS_FIN(*) Defines the maximum thickness of the chip when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_VOL_RATE_MACH(*) Defines the maximum chip removal rate when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_VOL_RATE_FIN(*) Defines the maximum chip removal rate when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_POWER_MACH(*) Defines the max power of the spindle when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_MAX_POWER_FIN(*) Defines the max power of the spindle when used in Finishing configuration.
MFG_FS_BENDING_FORCE_MACH(*) Defines the bending force when used in Machining configuration.
MFG_FS_BENDING_FORCE_FIN(*) Defines the bending force when used in Finishing configuration.

By default, the syntax is

TOOLNO/%MFG_TOOL_NUMBER,%MFG_NOMINAL_DIAM

Note: (*) The values of these feed and speed attributes are taken from the first machining operation under the tool change.

NC Instructions for Tool Path Repetition

You can use the following NC parameters specific to tool path repetition.

NC Parameters Comments 
MFG_REPEAT_INDEX
Defines the integral index of the current repetition within the list of the active ones defined on the operation. 
MFG_REPEAT_POSITION_COUNT
Defines the total number of active positions in the current repetition. 
MFG_REPEAT_TYPE
Specifies the type of repetition such as AXIS, TRANSLATION, or PATTERN. 
MFG_REPEAT_IS_REFERENCE
Includes information about the reference position within a repetition. 
MFG_REPEAT_X_VECX 
MFG_REPEAT_Y_VECX 
MFG_REPEAT_Z_VECX
Specifies the components of the X vector of the axis system of the current position within a repetition. 
MFG_REPEAT_X_VECY
MFG_REPEAT_Y_VECY
MFG_REPEAT_Z_VECY
Specifies the components of the Y vector of the axis system of the current position within a repetition. 
MFG_REPEAT_X_VECZ
MFG_REPEAT_Y_VECZ
MFG_REPEAT_Z_VECZ
Specifies the components of the Z vector of the axis system of the current position within a repetition. 
 
MFG_REPEAT_X_ORIG
MFG_REPEAT_Y_ORIG
MFG_REPEAT_Z_ORIG
Specifies the coordinates of the origin of the axis system of the current position within a repetition. 
MFG_REPEAT_NAME
 Outputs the name of the repetition feature. 
MFG_REPEAT_AXIS_NAME
 Outputs the name of the axis system selected on the repetition feature.

Displacing and Locking Linear and Rotary Axes

Default format for a linear displacement
                PPFUN/ <Letter of the axis>,<Letter of the axis>AXIS,value of the
                displacement
Customized in the PP table
With NC_AXIS_MOVE
                /
                *START_NC_COMMAND NC_AXIS_MOVE
                CLAMP/OFF,%MFG_NCAXIS_NAME,%MFG_AXIS_POSITION
                *END
                /
Format for a rotary displacement: 
                ROtabL/value of the rotation,<rotary direction >,<rotation axis>
Customized in the PP table
With the NC instructions NC_tabLE_ROTATION, NC_MACHINING_AXIS and NC_HEAD_ROTATION.
                /
                *START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_HEAD_ROTATION
                *START_SEQUENCE
                ROTHED/%MFG_AMOUNT_ROT,%MFG_DIR_OF_ROT
                *END
                *END
                /
                *START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_tabLE_ROTATION
                *START_SEQUENCE
                ROtabL/%MFG_AMOUNT_ROT,%MFG_DIR_OF_ROT,%MFG_ABC_AXIS
                *END
                *END
                /
                *START_NC_INSTRUCTION NC_MACHINING_AXIS
                *START_SEQUENCE
                $$ %MFG_NCAXIS_IDENTIFIER
                $$ %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECZ
                %MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG
                $$ %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECZ
                %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG
                $$ %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECX %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECY %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECZ
                %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG
                CATMAT/%MFG_NCAXIS_X_ORIG,%MFG_NCAXIS_Y_ORIG,%MFG_NCAXIS_Z_ORIG,
                %MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECX,%MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECY,%MFG_NCAXIS_X_VECZ,
                %MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECX,%MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECY,%MFG_NCAXIS_Y_VECZ,
                %MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECX,%	MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECY,%MFG_NCAXIS_Z_VECZ,
                %MFG_NCAXIS_IDENTIFIER
                *END
                *END
Blocked axis
LOCK/ <Letter of the axis>,<Letter of the axis>AXIS,ON
Customized in the PP table
With NC_AXIS_LOCK.
                /
                *START_NC_COMMAND NC_AXIS_LOCK
                CLAMP/%MFG_AXIS_LOCK_STATUS,%MFG_NCAXIS_NAME
                *END
                /

NC Instructions for Time Computing

You can use the following NC parameters specific to computing simulation and transition times.

NC Parameters Comments 
MFG_SIMULATION_TIME
Outputs the simulation time with numerical values and time units . 
MFG_SIMULATION_TIME_VALUE
Outputs the simulation time only with numerical values. 
MFG_TRANSITION_TIME
Outputs the transition time with numerical values and time units . 
MFG_TRANSITION_TIME_VALUE
Outputs the transition time only with numerical values.